Apartment Pet Ownership Tips for the Cold Months

As a chill graces the air and the days become shorter, getting out holiday decorations and winter garb quickly arrives at the top of the to-do list. But you mustn’t forget about the needs of your furry roommates! Despite having coats of fur and happy attitudes, dogs and cats have essential needs that have to be met to stay safe, warm, and healthy during cold weather months.

Keeping pets comfortable in an apartment during the winter requires extra care. HILLS Properties is here with your winter pet tips for managing pet health, maintaining cozy spaces, and handling outdoor walks once the temperature dips for the year.

Winter Pet Safety Tips

The safety of your pet is of the utmost importance during the winter. Here are some tips to bear in mind when it comes to pet safety in winter:

• Get a Yearly checkup. Freezing temperatures can worsen conditions such as arthritis, so knowing the state of your pet’s health with a wellness visit can help you plan accordingly.
• Keep Their Beds Warm. If you keep your dog bed or cat tree near a door or window, move them farther inside to help keep drafts from chilling your cuddly companions.
• Limit Time Spent Outside. Even long-haired breeds are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. You can put your pet in a sweater or dog coat if they get particularly chilly.
• Trim Paw Hair. When walking dogs in snow, your puppy’s paws may be prone to cracking and bleeding due to ice accumulation between their toes. Keep the hair surrounding their paw pads trimmed down.
• Wipe Down Your Dog. While on walks, your dog can become covered with antifreeze and other de-icing products that are harmful when consumed. When you get home, wipe them down so they don’t lick the poison off.
• Give Them Proper Identification. If your dog slips off their leash or your cat sneaks outdoors, they may have difficulty following scents back home due to the snow. Be sure all your pets have an up-to-date microchip or a well-fitting collar.

Pet Exercise During Winter

Since the weather outside is frightful, your animals will spend a lot of time indoors. To help prevent them from getting stir-crazy, you’ll need to get creative with devising methods for staying active. Here are some ideas you can use for indoor exercise for dogs and cats:

• Play Soccer. A soft and small ball is perfect for kicking around your apartment and is much more practical for scaled-down living than fetch.
• Do Some Stairs. Would you like to get a workout in as well? Head to your apartment’s stairwell and do some reps up and down the flights.
• Pull Some Rope. Tug of war is a tried and true favorite among dogs, and the minimal space required makes it perfect for apartments.
• Create a Scavenger Hunt. Hide treats around your apartment to test out your dog’s sniffer while keeping them entertained.
• Use a Cat Toy. While cats will play with almost anything, a simple toy on a string, such as a feather wand, is perfect for indoor cat exercise. If you’d like, you can make a DIY cat toy yourself!

Find an Apartment With Your Four-Legged Friends This Winter at HILLS Properties

Are you searching for a comfortable apartment to call home with your pets this winter? HILLS Properties boasts a wide selection of pet-friendly luxury apartment homes across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Peruse our availability online, or contact us today to find the place for you!